U.S. patent application number 10/888003 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for pipe coupling device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Benoit Machine L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Patrick C. Knight.
Application Number | 20060006640 10/888003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35540512 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060006640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knight; Patrick C. |
January 12, 2006 |
Pipe coupling device
Abstract
A pipe coupling assembly and method for protecting control lines
is disclosed wherein a shoulder modification is made on the pipes
to prevent breakage of a control line protector clamp.
Particularly, the present invention relates to a coupling assembly
for protecting a control line comprising a first pipe including a
first stop surface, a second pipe longitudinally connected to the
first pipe, a clamping device connected to the first pipe and the
second pipe, the clamping device including a first clamping end
connected to the first pipe and a control line receiving portion,
and a control line extending along the length of the first pipe and
the second pipe, the control line being positioned within the
control line receiving portion of the clamping device.
Additionally, the first stop surface is positioned at a
predetermined angle relative to the first pipe to prevent breakage
of the clamping device.
Inventors: |
Knight; Patrick C.;
(Raceland, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW
SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Assignee: |
Benoit Machine L.L.C.
Houma
LA
|
Family ID: |
35540512 |
Appl. No.: |
10/888003 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/1035 20130101;
F16L 57/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/081 |
International
Class: |
F16L 35/00 20060101
F16L035/00 |
Claims
1. A pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines, the pipe
coupling assembly comprising: a first pipe including a first stop
surface; a second pipe longitudinally connected to said first pipe;
a clamping device connected to said first pipe and said second
pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping end connected
to said first pipe, said clamping device further including a
control line receiving portion; and a control line extending along
the length of said first pipe and said second pipe positioned
adjacent to said first pipe and said second pipe, said control line
being positioned within said control line receiving portion of said
clamping device, wherein said first stop surface is positioned on
said first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal
axis of said first pipe to sufficiently minimize radial force
acting against said first clamping end to prevent breakage of said
clamping device when an axial force tending to move said clamping
device towards said second pipe is applied.
2. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said first
pipe is between approximately 60 degrees and 90 degrees.
3. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said first
pipe is 90 degrees.
4. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said first
pipe is greater than 90 degrees.
5. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein said first
clamping end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop
surface facing said first stop surface.
6. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
7. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein said first pipe
and said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
8. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein: said second pipe
includes a second stop surface; and said clamping device includes a
second clamping end connected to said second pipe; wherein said
second stop surface is positioned on said second pipe at a
predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said
second pipe to sufficiently minimize radial force acting against
said second clamping end to prevent breakage of said clamping
device when an axial force tending to move said second clamping
device towards said first pipe is applied.
9. A pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines, the pipe
coupling assembly comprising: a first pipe including a first stop
surface; a second pipe longitudinally connected to said first pipe;
a clamping device connected to said first pipe and said second
pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping end connected
to said first pipe, said clamping device further including a
control line receiving portion; and a control line extending along
the length of said first pipe and said second pipe positioned
adjacent to said first pipe and said second pipe, said control line
being positioned within said control line receiving portion of said
clamping device, wherein said first stop surface is positioned on
said first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal
axis of said first pipe to prevent said first clamping end from
moving along said first stop surface in an overlapping manner when
an axial force tending to move said clamping device towards said
second pipe is applied.
10. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is between approximately 60 degrees and 90 degrees.
11. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is 90 degrees.
12. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is greater than 90 degrees.
13. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein said first
clamping end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop
surface facing said first stop surface.
14. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
15. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein said first pipe
and said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
16. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 9, wherein: said second
pipe includes a second stop surface; and said clamping device
includes a second clamping end connected to said second pipe;
wherein said second stop surface is positioned on said second pipe
at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said
second pipe to prevent said second clamping end from moving along
said second stop surface in an overlapping manner when an axial
force tending to move said clamping device towards said first pipe
is applied.
17. A pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines, the pipe
coupling assembly comprising: a first pipe including a first stop
surface; a second pipe longitudinally connected to said first pipe;
a clamping device connected to said first pipe and said second
pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping end connected
to said first pipe, said clamping device further including a
control line receiving portion; and a control line extending along
the length of said first pipe and said second pipe positioned
adjacent to said first pipe and said second pipe, said control line
being positioned within said control line receiving portion of said
clamping device, wherein said first stop surface is positioned on
said first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal
axis of said first pipe to prevent further movement of said first
clamping end along said longitudinal axis toward said first stop
surface after said first clamping end comes into contact with said
first stop surface.
18. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is between approximately 60 degrees and 90 degrees.
19. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is 90 degrees.
20. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is greater than 90 degrees.
21. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein said first
clamping end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop
surface facing said first stop surface.
22. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
23. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein said first pipe
and said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
24. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 17, wherein: said second
pipe includes a second stop surface; and said clamping device
includes a second clamping end connected to said second pipe;
wherein said second stop surface is positioned on said second pipe
at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said
second pipe to prevent further movement of said second clamping end
along said longitudinal axis toward said second stop surface after
said second clamping end comes into contact with said second stop
surface.
25. A method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for protecting
control lines, said method comprising: forming a first stop surface
on a first pipe; longitudinally connecting said first pipe to a
second pipe; connecting a clamping device to said first pipe and
said second pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping
end connected to said first pipe, said clamping device further
including a control line receiving portion; and extending a control
line along said first pipe and said second pipe, said control line
being positioned with said control line receiving portion of said
clamping device, wherein said first stop surface is formed on said
first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis
of said first pipe to sufficiently minimize radial force acting
against said first clamping end to prevent breakage of said
clamping device when an axial force tending to move said clamping
device towards said second pipe is applied.
26. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is between 60 degrees and 90
degrees.
27. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is 90 degrees.
28. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is greater than 90
degrees.
29. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, wherein said first clamping
end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop surface
facing said first stop surface.
30. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
31. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, wherein said first pipe and
said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
32. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 25, further comprising: forming a
second stop surface on said second pipe; wherein said first
clamping end includes a second clamping end connected to said
second pipe; and wherein said second stop surface is formed on said
second pipe at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal
axis of said second pipe to sufficiently minimize radial force
acting against said second clamping end to prevent breakage of said
clamping device when an axial force tending to move said clamping
device towards said first pipe is applied.
33. A method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for protecting
control lines, said method comprising: forming a first stop surface
on a first pipe; longitudinally connecting said first pipe to a
second pipe; connecting a clamping device to said first pipe and
said second pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping
end connected to said first pipe, said clamping device further
including a control line receiving portion; and extending a control
line along said first pipe and said second pipe, said control line
being positioned with said control line receiving portion of said
clamping device, wherein said first stop surface is formed on said
first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis
of said first pipe to prevent said first clamping end from moving
along said first stop surface in an overlapping manner when an
axial force tending to move said clamping device towards said
second pipe is applied.
34. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is between 60 degrees and 90
degrees.
35. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is 90 degrees.
36. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is greater than 90
degrees.
37. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, wherein said first clamping
end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop surface
facing said first stop surface.
38. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
39. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, wherein said first pipe and
said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
40. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 33, further comprising: forming a
second stop surface on said second pipe; wherein said first
clamping end includes a second clamping end connected to said
second pipe; and wherein said second stop surface is formed on said
second pipe at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal
axis of said second pipe to prevent said second clamping end from
moving along said second stop surface in an overlapping manner when
an axial force tending to move said clamping device towards said
second pipe is applied.
41. A method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for protecting
control lines, said method comprising: forming a first stop surface
on a first pipe; longitudinally connecting said first pipe to a
second pipe; connecting a clamping device to said first pipe and
said second pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping
end connected to said first pipe, said clamping device further
including a control line receiving portion; and extending a control
line along said first pipe and said second pipe, said control line
being positioned with said control line receiving portion of said
clamping device, wherein said first stop surface is formed on said
first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis
of said first pipe to prevent further movement of said first
clamping end along said longitudinal axis toward said first stop
surface after said first clamping end comes into contact with said
first stop surface.
42. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is between 60 degrees and 90
degrees.
43. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is 90 degrees.
44. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, wherein the angle of said
first stop surface formed on said first pipe relative to said
longitudinal axis of said first pipe is greater than 90
degrees.
45. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, wherein said first clamping
end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop surface
facing said first stop surface.
46. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
47. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, wherein said first pipe and
said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
48. The method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of claim 41, further comprising: forming a
second stop surface on said second pipe; wherein said first
clamping end includes a second clamping end connected to said
second pipe; and wherein said second stop surface is formed on said
second pipe at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal
axis of said second pipe to prevent further movement of said second
clamping end along said longitudinal axis toward said second stop
surface after said second clamping end comes into contact with said
second stop surface.
49. A pipe coupling assembly comprising: a first pipe including a
first stop surface; a second pipe longitudinally connected to said
first pipe; and a clamping device connected to said first pipe and
said second pipe, said clamping device including a first clamping
end connected to said first pipe, wherein said first stop surface
is positioned on said first pipe at a predetermined angle relative
to a longitudinal axis of said first pipe to sufficiently minimize
radial force acting against said first clamping end to prevent
breakage of said clamping device when an axial force tending to
move said clamping device towards said second pipe is applied.
50. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49 further comprising a
control line extending along the length of said first pipe and said
second pipe positioned adjacent to said first pipe and said second
pipe.
51. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 50 wherein said clamping
device includes a control line receiving portion adapted to receive
said control line.
52. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is between approximately 60 degrees and 90 degrees.
53. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is 90 degrees.
54. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein the angle of
said first stop surface relative to said longitudinal axis of said
first pipe is greater than 90 degrees.
55. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein said first
clamping end includes a substantially transverse first clamp stop
surface facing said first stop surface.
56. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein said first stop
surface extends circumferentially around said first pipe.
57. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein said first pipe
and said second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
58. The pipe coupling assembly of claim 49, wherein: said second
pipe includes a second stop surface; and said clamping device
includes a second clamping end connected to said second pipe;
wherein said second stop surface is positioned on said second pipe
at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said
second pipe to sufficiently minimize radial force acting against
said second clamping end to prevent breakage of said clamping
device when an axial force tending to move said second clamping
device towards said first pipe is applied.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to control line protector
clamps, and more particularly to a modification made to a pipe
coupling assembly including a control line protector clamp to
prevent breakage of the control line protector clamp.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In well applications, sections of production tubing are
linearly connected to form a production tubing string which is
extended downwards into a well bore. The individual sections of
production tubing are coupled together until a string of the
desired length is formed.
[0005] Traditional pipe couplings used in well applications may
also be applied to other uses in the art, such as blast joints or
underground applications. Examples of patented pipe coupling
devices such as those used in well applications are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,613,165, Re. 34,017, 4,635,968, 4,299,413, and
6,123,363.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,613,165 issued Sep. 23, 1986 and Re. 34,017
issued Aug. 4, 1992, each issued to Kuhne and entitled "Increased
Tensile Strength Variable Diameter Protective Joint", relate to a
protective joint for tubulars, such as oil well production tubing,
having a body portion with a first diameter and at least one
coupling portion having an increased diameter portion. At least a
part of both the first and increased diameter portions are included
within a zone to be protected by the protective joint. The
protective joint includes a plurality of first and second generally
cylindrical annular protective rings, such as carbide rings. The
first protective rings are coaxially located along the body portion
of the tubular. The second protective rings are coaxially located
along the increased diameter portion of an upset. The first and
second protective rings have flat and parallel faces and are sized
and configured to accommodate bending movements along the
longitudinal axis of the tubular. For example, the first and second
protective rings may have flattened parallel faces, sufficient
inside diameters and be engagable with like protective rings along
a plane intersecting and normal to the inside longitudinal axis of
the tubular to accommodate bending movements along the longitudinal
axis of the tubular.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,968 issued to Kuhne on Jan. 13, 1987
entitled "Method and Apparatus for Protecting Consecutive Multiple
Variable Diameter Couplings" relates to a method for installing
multiple protective joints on tubulars. In particular, the tubulars
have a body portion and an increased diameter portion for coupling
to another tubular. At least a part of the body and increased
diameter portions of each tubular are to be included in a zone to
be protected. A plurality of first generally cylindrical annular
protective rings are coaxially installed over the body portion of a
first tubular. A plurality of second generally cylindrical annular
protective rings are also placed coaxially locatable along the
increased diameter portion of each tubular and are supported on the
body portion with at least one sleeve coaxially located below along
the body portion of the first tubular. During transport or storage
the first and second protective rings are held in place by
retainers. During installation a second tubular is coupled to the
first tubular. The second protective rings are then placed over the
increased diameter portion of the second tubular while using at
least one sleeve to limit movement of the second protective rings
in their radial direction and facilitate movement of those rings
over the increased diameter portion of the second tubular while
using at least one sleeve to limit movement of the second
protective rings in the their radial direction and facilitate
movement of those rings over the increased diameter and body
portions of the coupled tubular. There can thus be provided a
series of multiple protective joints for use on consecutive
tubulars having increased diameter portions for coupling to another
tubular.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,413 issued to Neher on Nov. 10, 1981
entitled "Pipe Coupling" relates to a coupling assembly for
connecting sections of pipe including a tubular sleeve adapted to
receive the ends of the pipe section. The inside surface of the
sleeve includes means for providing a pressure-tight seal between
the pipe sections and the sleeve. A pair of generally arcuate clamp
members is formed for connection to each other to form a clamp
assembly. Each clamp member has an internal recess of such
dimensions that when the clamp members are connected to each other
about the sleeve, only the clamp members absorb the mechanical
stresses exerted on the coupling. The clamp members about or
surrounding the sleeve are spaced from and out of contact with the
sleeve. Additionally, each clamp member can have flanged generally
semi-cylindrical end sections, sized to fit about the pipe, and
which form a split-ring clamp when the clamp members are fitted
together in opposing relationship. The flanges are adapted for
receiving fastening means for securing the clamp members together.
The inner surface of the end sections includes means for securely
gripping the outer surface of the pipe so that when the clamp
members are fastened together about the sleeve, they hold the pipe
sections together in a securely coupled relationship.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,363 issued to Burgard et al. on Sep. 26,
2000 entitled "Self-Centering Low Profile Connection with Trapped
Gasket" relates to the assembly of a connection that uses
cooperating grooved surfaces to provide an easily disassembled and
assembled connection which is improved by the use of a centered lip
and cooperating groove on the contact faces of the connection
halves that engage the faces of complementary connection ends to
prevent lateral misalignment while the pipe ends are brought
together for axial alignment. The lip extends into the groove to
trap a gasket retained within the groove and inhibit extrusion of
the gasket between the contact faces under high pressure
conditions. The centering device may be used with a clamping
mechanism. The trapping cavity formed by the faces of the
connection ends particularly enhances the pressure capacity of
elastomeric gasket applications.
[0010] After the production tubing string is formed, it is
frequently necessary to install mechanically operated devices deep
within the well bore. These devices can include such devices as
safety valves, chemicals injection mandrels, and pumps. Control
line are used to operate these mechanical devices, but the
inaccessibility of the devices within the well bore makes the
installation and operation of the control lines costly and time
consuming. Therefore, the control lines are run down into the well
bore along the length of the production tubing string.
[0011] Thus, as the production tubing is pushed or pulled through
the well bore, the control lines are pushed or pulled through the
well bore as well. However, as the production line is
longitudinally moved within the well bore, the pipe couplings
between the sections of production tubing can collide with or
become obstructed by the sides of the well bore as a result of the
increased diameter of the production tubing coupling. This
increased diameter is typically caused by either a pipe coupling
device, such as those described in the references above, or, in the
case of tubing, such as integral joint tubing, by a sloping
external transition upset leading to the section of the tubing used
for the coupling. When these wider sections of the production
tubing string impact the sides of the well bore, the control lines
may become trapped between the tubing and the sides of the well
bore and become damaged or broken.
[0012] In an attempt to prevent the breakage of the control lines,
control line protector clamps are used. Control line protector
clamps are clamps which are clamped around the production tubing at
the couplings. Because the control lines may be damaged if crushed
or broken, the control lines run through the clamps, for example,
via holes or slots formed in the clamps which allow the control
lines to move freely. The two ends of the clamps are clamped onto
the production tubing on either sides of the pipe coupling, thereby
extending over the section of the pipe with the increased diameter,
as described above. Thus, when the pipe coupling section of the
pipe with the increased diameter would have normally impacted the
sides of the well bore, the clamp instead bears the brunt of the
impact. Because the control line runs through the clamp, the
control line is not impacted by the sides of the well bore and is
not damaged or broken.
[0013] However, as in the case of integral joint tubing, the pipe
coupling may be integrated with the tubing. As described above, the
sections of the tubing may include an upset sloping from the tubing
body to an pipe coupling section which has an increased diameter.
When a control line protector clamp is attached to tubing with a
sloping upset, the clamp extends across this sloping upset. During
operation, the tubing string will likely encounter a severe
obstruction on the wall of the well bore while being moved within
the well bore, the clamp may become caught on the obstruction. As
the tubing string continues to move, the clamp will slide along the
length of the tubing until it encounters the base of the upset. If
the resistance caused by the obstruction is sever enough, the clamp
may be forced to move along the upset, which thereby causes a
wedgelike effect on the clamp. As the clamp travels further along
this upset, the wedgelike forces acting on the clamp can break the
clamp body, including the means of securing the clamp, such as
clamp bolts, etc. If the clamp breaks, the clamp and its components
can become disengaged from the pipe coupling. If this occurs, the
clamp will fall away from the production tubing string, leaving the
control line unprotected. The broken clamp can be very costly and
time consuming to retrieve. If the broken clamp is impossible or
impractical to replace, the entire clamp will need to be replaced.
Also, when the clamp breaks, it is frequently necessary to stop the
operation so the broken clamp can be retrieved, repaired, or
replaced.
[0014] Thus, there is a need for a device or method that prevents
breakage of the control line protector clamps used to protect
control lines that are positioned next to production tubing
strings. This invention answers that need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention provides a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines and a method of assembling a pipe coupling
assembly for protecting control lines wherein a shoulder
modification on the pipes is utilized to prevent axial movement of
a clamp, thereby preventing clamp breakage.
[0016] In particular, one embodiment of the present invention
relates to a pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines
and a method of assembling a pipe coupling assembly for protecting
control lines, the assembly and method comprising a first pipe
including a first stop surface, a second pipe longitudinally
connected to the first pipe, a clamping device connected to the
first pipe and the second pipe, the clamping device including a
first clamping end connected to the first pipe, the clamping device
further including a control line receiving portion, and a control
line extending along the length of the first pipe and the second
pipe positioned adjacent to the first pipe and the second pipe, the
control line being positioned within the control line receiving
portion of the clamping device, wherein the first stop surface is
positioned on the first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to a
longitudinal axis of the first pipe to sufficiently minimize radial
force acting against the first clamping end to prevent breakage of
the clamping device when an axial force tending to move the
clamping device towards the second pipe is applied. The second pipe
may also comprise a second stop surface, and the clamping device
may include a second clamping end connected to the second pipe,
wherein the second stop surface is positioned on the second pipe at
a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the
second pipe to sufficiently minimize radial force acting against
the second clamping end to prevent breakage of the clamping device
when an axial force tending to move the second clamping device
towards the first pipe is applied.
[0017] A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a
pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines and a method of
assembling a pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines,
the assembly and method comprising a first pipe including a first
stop surface, a second pipe longitudinally connected to the first
pipe, and a clamping device connected to the first pipe and the
second pipe, the clamping device including a first clamping end
connected to the first pipe, the clamping device further including
a control line receiving portion; and a control line extending
along the length of the first pipe and the second pipe positioned
adjacent to the first pipe and the second pipe, the control line
being positioned within the control line receiving portion of the
clamping device, wherein the first stop surface is positioned on
the first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the first pipe to prevent the first clamping
end from moving along the first stop surface in an overlapping
manner when an axial force tending to move the clamping device
towards the second pipe is applied. The second pipe may also
comprise a second stop surface, and the clamping device may include
a second clamping end connected to the second pipe, wherein the
second stop surface is positioned on the second pipe at a
predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the second
pipe to prevent the second clamping end from moving along the
second stop surface in an overlapping manner when an axial force
tending to move the clamping device towards the first pipe is
applied.
[0018] A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a
pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines and a method of
assembling a pipe coupling assembly for protecting control lines,
the assembly and method comprising a first pipe including a first
stop surface, a second pipe longitudinally connected to the first
pipe, and a clamping device connected to the first pipe and the
second pipe, the clamping device including a first clamping end
connected to the first pipe, the clamping device further including
a control line receiving portion; and a control line extending
along the length of the first pipe and the second pipe positioned
adjacent to the first pipe and the second pipe, the control line
being positioned within the control line receiving portion of the
clamping device, wherein the first stop surface is positioned on
the first pipe at a predetermined angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the first pipe to prevent further movement of
the first clamping end along the longitudinal axis toward the first
stop surface after the first clamping end comes into contact with
the first stop surface. The second pipe may also comprise a second
stop surface, and the clamping device may include a second clamping
end connected to the second pipe, wherein the second stop surface
is positioned on the second pipe at a predetermined angle relative
to the longitudinal axis of the second pipe to prevent further
movement of the second clamping end along the longitudinal axis
toward the second stop surface after the second clamping end comes
into contact with the second stop surface.
[0019] Each of the above and other embodiments of the present
invention may include one or more variations wherein the angle of
the first stop surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the first
pipe is between 60 degrees and 90 degrees, the angle of the first
stop surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the first pipe is
90 degrees, the angle of the first stop surface relative to a
longitudinal axis of the first pipe is greater than 90 degrees, the
first clamping end includes a substantially transverse clamp stop
surface facing the first stop surface, the first stop surface
extends circumferentially around the first pipe, and/or the first
pipe and the second pipe are of the integral joint tubing type.
[0020] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will be in part apparent to those skilled in art
and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art pipe connection.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art pipe
connection.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view of a prior art pipe coupling
assembly.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of a prior art pipe coupling
assembly.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side view of a pipe coupling assembly for
protecting control lines of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of a pipe connection of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe connection of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a magnified side view of a portion of a pipe
coupling assembly for protecting control lines according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a magnified side view of a portion of a pipe
coupling assembly for protecting control lines according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a magnified side view of a portion of a pipe
coupling assembly for protecting control lines according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, a pipe coupling assembly for protecting
control lines of the present invention comprises a first pipe 100
longitudinally connected to a second pipe 200, with a clamping
device 300 connected to at least one of first pipe 100 and second
pipe 200. According to the preferred embodiment, first pipe 100 and
second pipe 200 are integral joint tubing pipes. However, the
present invention may be applied to any type of piping. First pipe
100 includes a first stop surface 140, a sloping section 110, and a
connecting section 120. Second pipe 200 includes a second stop
surface 240, a sloping section 210, and a connecting section 220.
Any type of longitudinal connection may be utilized to facilitate
the connection between first pipe 100 and second pipe 200, such as
the threaded connection between internal threaded portion 130 on
the first fitting 100 and external threaded portion 230 on second
fitting 200 in FIG. 8.
[0033] Control line 400 extends along the length of first pipe 100
and second pipe 200 and is preferably positioned adjacent to first
pipe 100 and second pipe 200. Control line 400 may be any type of
control line, for example, hydraulic lines, signal lines, such as
coaxial cable, or electrical lines. As is shown in the figures,
because control line 400 extends across the coupling of first pipe
100 and second pipe 200, control line 400 is also adjacent to stop
surfaces 140 and 240, sloping sections 110 and 210, and connecting
sections 120 and 220.
[0034] Clamping device 300 extends across the connection between
first pipe 100 and second pipe 200 in a generally overlapping
manner and clamps to at least one of first pipe 100 via first
clamping end 310 and second pipe 200 via second clamping end 320.
Clamping device 300 further includes a control line receiving
portion 350 which is sized appropriately to be able to receive
control line 400. Control line receiving portion 350 may be of any
type, such as a machined hole or slit, but is preferably a slit in
which control line 400 is placed. Additionally, there may be a
control line receiving portion 350 in either or both of first
clamping end 310 and second clamping end 320, or control line
receiving portion 350 may extend the entire length of clamping
device 300, thus allowing control line 400 to pass through the main
portion of the body of clamping device 300. Note that clamping
device 300 is not required to include both first clamping end 310
and second clamping end 320. For some applications, clamping device
300 may be permanently affixed to second pipe 200 in a manner such
that only one clamping end is used, such as first clamping end 310
on first pipe 100. In this instance, after first pipe 100 and
second pipe 200 are longitudinally connected, first clamping end
310 is clamped around first pipe 100 to protect control line
400.
[0035] Referring now to prior art FIGS. 2-5, which show a typical
conventional pipe connection, connecting section 720 of first pipe
700 has a greater diameter than first pipe 700. Also, connecting
section 820 of second pipe 800 has a greater diameter than second
pipe 800. Sloping section 710 gradually slopes from the outer
surface of first pipe 700 to the outer surface of connecting
section 720. Similarly, sloping section 810 gradually slopes from
the outer surface of first pipe 800 to the outer surface of
connecting section 820. Note that neither first pipe 700 or second
pipe 800 includes a stop surface such as first stop surface 140 on
first pipe 100 or second stop surface 240 of second pipe 200 in
FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, first pipe 700 and second pipe 800 are
typically threaded longitudinally together via internal threaded
portion 730 of first pipe 700 and external threaded portion 830 of
second pipe 800.
[0036] Now referring to FIG. 4, clamping device 900 is connected to
a prior art pipe coupling between first pipe 700 and second pipe
800 with control line 600 passing through control line receiving
portion 950. During operation, axial and/or longitudinal force F
may be applied to clamping device 900 in a longitudinal manner,
thus forcing clamping device 900 to move along both first pipe 700
and second pipe 800 towards second pipe 800. If force F is of a
sufficient magnitude, clamping device 900 slides along first pipe
700 towards sloping section 710. Thus, if force F is maintained for
a sufficient duration of time, first clamping end 910 of clamping
device 900 will eventually come into contact with the base of
sloping section 710, as shown in FIG. 5. When this occurs, first
clamp stop surface 930 on first clamping end 910 comes into contact
with the base of sloping section 710. If force F continues to force
clamping device 900 along first pipe 700 and second pipe 800, first
clamping end 910 will move up sloping surface 710, thereby allowing
sloping surface 710 to have a wedge-like effect on first clamping
end 910. This wedge-like effect of sloping surface 710 on first
clamping end 910 exerts a force F.sub.T against first clamping end
910 which includes a radially outward force component F.sub.R.
[0037] If F.sub.T, and specifically F.sub.R, increases to an
excessive level, such force may cause first clamping end 910 to
structurally weaken, fracture, or even completely break. If first
clamping end 910 breaks, clamping device 900 may disengage from
first pipe 700, thereby possibly exposing control line 600 to
damage or breakage. This problem can also occur in the opposite
direction if a force F' is applied, thereby forcing second clamp
stop surface 940 to contact sloping section 810 and eventually
causing second clamping end 920 to structurally weaken, fracture,
or break.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6-8, the present invention minimizes
the chance of either first clamping end 310 or second clamping end
320 weakening, fracturing, or breaking as a result of longitudinal
forces F or F', specifically, as a result of the radial components
of those forces acting against clamping device 300 and forcing
either first clamping end 310 onto sloping section 110 or second
clamping end 320 onto sloping section 220.
[0039] According to the present invention, first pipe 100 further
includes first stop surface 140. First stop surface 140 is formed
into the base section of sloping surface 110 to minimize the chance
that first clamping end 310 will break during operation. The
specific characteristics of first stop surface 140 will be
described in more detail below.
[0040] Thus, according to the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG.
1, clamping device 300 is attached to both first pipe 100 and
second pipe 200 via first clamping end 310 and second clamping end
320. When a force F is applied to clamping device 300 and is of a
sufficient magnitude to cause clamping device 300 to move relative
to first pipe 100, clamping device 300 slides along first pipe 100
and second pipe 200. As shown in FIG. 6, if force F is maintained,
first clamping end 310 of clamping device 300 will slide along
first pipe 100 until it comes into contact with first stop surface
140. When first clamp stop surface 330 of first clamping end 310
comes into contact with first stop surface 140, first clamping end
310 of clamping device 300 is largely prevented from moving any
further along the surface of first pipe 100. This effect is
possible by forming first stop surface 140 at any angle sufficient
to sufficiently minimize or eliminate the above-described
wedge-like effect capable of structurally damaging, fracturing, or
breaking first clamping end 310 and causing clamping device 300 to
possibly disengage from first pipe 100. Also, first stop surface
140 preferably extends circumferentially around first pipe 100.
However, first stop surface 140 may be formed in a different
manner, such as a plurality of radial portions, or any other design
sufficient to achieve the above-described functionality.
[0041] As illustrated by FIGS. 9-11, first stop surface 140 may be
formed at a variety of angles. Specifically, first stop surface 140
may be formed at a 90 degree (90.degree.) angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of first pipe 100. Thus, angle X may be formed to
be 90 degrees. Thus, when first clamping end 310 of clamping device
300 comes into contact with first stop surface 140, first clamp
stop surface 330 axially abuts first stop surface 140. This axial
abutment eliminates all radial forces and any possible wedge-like
effect of sloping surface 110 on first clamping end 310. Thus,
sloping surface 110 will not cause first clamping end 310 to break
and will likewise prevent clamping device 300 from breaking and
disengaging from first pipe 100. An angle X of 90 degrees is
preferred because it is easily formed by machining or any other
method.
[0042] Thus, when angle X is 90 degrees, first stop surface 140
sufficiently minimizes any radial, wedge-like forces acting against
first clamping end 310 and prevents breakage of first clamping end
310 and disengagement of clamping device 300 when force F tending
to move clamping device 300 towards second pipe 200 is applied.
Also, first stop surface 140 prevents first clamping end 310 from
moving along first stop surface 140 in an overlapping manner when
an axial force F tending to move clamping device 300 towards second
pipe 200 is applied. Moreover, first stop surface 140 prevents
further movement of first clamping end 310 along the longitudinal
axis of first pipe 100 toward first stop surface 140 after first
clamping end 310 comes into contact with first stop surface
140.
[0043] According to a second embodiment of the present invention
and as shown in FIG. 10, first stop surface 140 may be formed at an
angle less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of
first pipe 100. While any angle sufficient to prevent breakage of
first clamping end 310 may be used, it is preferred, according to
this embodiment, that angle X be between approximately 60 degrees
(60.degree.) and ninety degrees (90.degree.). However, any angle
less than 60 degrees may be used for first stop surface 140 if the
angle is sufficient to prevent first clamping end 310 from
structurally weakening, fracturing, or breaking under operational
conditions. Thus, when first clamping end 310 of clamping device
300 comes into contact with first stop surface 140, first clamp
stop surface 330 comes into contact with first stop surface 140.
This abutment minimizes radial forces acting against first clamping
end 310 and sufficiently minimizes the possibility of a wedge-like
effect of sloping surface 110 on first clamping end 310. Thus,
sloping surface 110 will not cause first clamping end 310 to break
and will likewise prevent clamping device 300 from breaking and
possibly disengaging from first pipe 100.
[0044] Thus, according to the second embodiment described above,
first stop surface 140 sufficiently minimizes any radial,
wedge-like forces acting against first clamping end 310 and reduces
the chance of breakage of first clamping end 310 and disengagement
of clamping device 300 when force F tending to move clamping device
300 towards second pipe 200 is applied. Also, first stop surface
140 minimizes the possibility of first clamping end 310 from moving
along first stop surface 140 in an overlapping manner when an axial
force F tending to move clamping device 300 towards second pipe 200
is applied. Moreover, first stop surface 140 minimizes the
possibility of first clamping end 310 moving further along the
longitudinal axis of first pipe 100 toward first stop surface 140
after first clamping end 310 comes into contact with first stop
surface 140.
[0045] According to a third embodiment of the present invention and
as shown in FIG. 11, first stop surface 140 may be formed at an
angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of
first pipe 100. Angle X may be any angle greater than 90 degrees
(90.degree.). Thus, when first clamping end 310 of clamping device
300 comes into contact with first stop surface 140, first clamp
stop surface 330 axially abuts the upper corner of first stop
surface 140 created by angle X exceeding 90 degrees. This abutment
eliminates all radial forces and any possible wedge-like effect of
sloping surface 710 on first clamping end 310. Thus, sloping
surface 710 will minimize the possibility of first clamping end 310
breaking and will likewise prevent clamping device 300 from
breaking and disengaging from first pipe 100 due to the wedge-like
effect of sloping section 110.
[0046] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
clamping device 300 may include both first clamping end 310 and
second clamping end 320. Additionally, first stop surface 140 and
second stop surface 240 can be formed on both first pipe 100 and
second pipe 200, respectively. Thus, when a force F is applied to
clamping device 300 causing clamping device 300 to slide along
first pipe 100, first clamping end 310 comes into contact with
first stop surface 140 as described above. Similarly, when a force
F' is applied to clamping device 300 causing clamping device 300 to
slide in the opposite direction along second pipe 200, second
clamping end 320 and second clamp stop surface 340 comes into
contact with second stop surface 240. Second stop surface 240 may
be of any design described above for first stop surface 140. Thus,
the present invention minimizes the possibility of clamping device
300 becoming structurally weakened, fractured, or broken in
response to longitudinal forces in either direction.
[0047] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained and, since certain changes may be made, in carrying out
the above processes, in a described instrument, and in the
construction set forth, without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0048] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the
invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
there between.
* * * * *